The newest issue of the Forum für Analytische Psychologie und Lebenskultur Jungian Journal, focuses on the theme of “Mutterseelenallein” (utterly alone/loneliness). The editors, Anette and Lutz Müller, open with a thoughtful exploration of the German expression “mutterseelenallein,” which the Brothers Grimm dictionary from 1854 listed as the highest possible intensification of “alone”—progressing from alone, to quite alone, to mother-alone, to utterly forsaken. The editorial establishes an important distinction: being alone is an observable external state, while loneliness is an internal experience that may remain unspoken and invisible to others. The issue explores loneliness as a universal existential condition affecting everyone without exception. Here are just a few of the listed articles:
Renate Oetker-Funk contributes Facetten von Einsamkeit (Facets of Loneliness) and Schrecken einer Nachricht (Terror of a Message). Ingrid Riedel examines Von der Einsamkeit zum Alleinsein-Können (From Loneliness to the Capacity to Be Alone) and Die Einsamkeit des C. G. Jung (The Loneliness of C.G. Jung), exploring Jung’s own experiences with solitude. Ralf T. Vogel addresses Existenzielle Einsamkeit (Existential Loneliness), while Isabelle Meier connects Einsamkeit und Minderwertigkeitsgefühl (Loneliness and Feelings of Inferiority).
Sylvia Wetzel offers Buddhist perspectives with Einsamkeit, Alleinsein und Vertrauen in buddhistischer Sicht (Loneliness, Being Alone and Trust from a Buddhist Perspective) and Die fünf Säulen des Glücks bei C. G. Jung (The Five Pillars of Happiness in C.G. Jung). Stefan Herok analyzes the cultural phenomenon of loneliness through ‘Hallo, Dunkelheit, alte Freundin…’ Der Song ‘Sound of Silence‘ (Hello Darkness, My Old Friend… The Song Sound of Silence). Jon Laukvik shares Persönliche Gedanken zur Einsamkeit des Musikers (Personal Thoughts on the Loneliness of the Musician), offering insights into the particular solitude of artistic practice.
The issue also includes a special section commemorating 150 years of C.G. Jung with contributions from Manuela Junker-Moch, Dieter Schnocks, and Elisabeth Kauder. The editors conclude by framing loneliness not merely as something to pathologize but as confronting us with both our vulnerability and our essential humanity.
To view a full list of the journal articles, in German, click here.